The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) is the statutory body in the Ministry of National Security that regulates the legal and lawful use of private firearms in Jamaica in keeping with safe firearm use and handling standards worldwide.
The authority was established in 2005 by an act of Parliament to streamline and standardise the granting, renewal, and revocation of firearm licences and all the attendant processes relating to the use of firearms in Jamaica.
The FLA acts as a centralised administrative body with responsibility for:
•Monitoring and regulating the issuance of firearm licences.
•Conducting relevant investigative checks where necessary.
•Ensuring proper and standardised Training Certification in the Safe Use and Care of firearms
•Conducting regular audits and security reviews of gun clubs, private security companies, shooting facilities, licensed firearm holders and their firearms.
•Managing and maintaining a Ballistic Identification Database for ballistic information of licensed guns.